Diabetic Volunteers Research Articles

Photobiomodulation using red and infrared spectrum light emitting-diode (LED) for the healing of diabetic foot ulcers: a controlled randomized clinical trial.

Assessing the responses to the application of photobiomodulation using red and infrared spectrum light-emitting diodes (LED) on diabetic foot ulcers. Diabetic volunteers, of both genders, aged between 30 and 65 years, with grade I or II ulcers, were randomized into the groups: red LED, infrared LED, LED associated, and control. Home-based interventions took place on a daily basis for 12 weeks. Assessments of sample characterization were performed on day 1 and 90, and the variables wound healing index, mean skin temperature, sensitivity and pain in the wound area were measured at the pre-intervention time on days 1, 30, 60 and 90, with subsequent follow-up 30 days after the end of treatment. For statistical analysis, the software SPSS, version 17.0, intention-to-treat analysis, data normality was tested, and the linear mixed effects model, with a significance level of 5%. Magnitudes of clinical effect by Cohen's d. At the pre vs post intervention time of 90 days, we found a large clinical effect of G-LED V (d=1.7) and G -LED IV (d=1.6) in relation to G-C, where these intervention groups showed a tendency for faster wound healing compared to G-C. We also observed small clinical effect of G-LED IV, which showed greater reduction in the area in relation to G-LED V (d=0.4) and G-LED A (d=0.3). Conclusion: The use of individually applied red and infrared LED phototherapy clinically tended to be more effective for the reduction of diabetic foot ulcer areas, and infrared LED was the most effective. Trial registration: NCT03250533 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Efficacy and safety of dual renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade for non-elderly diabetic kidney disease patients with preserved eGFR.

Although sodium glucose cotransporter2 inhibitor (SGLT-2I) is widely used in clinical practice, sufficient renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibition remains the cornerstone of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) treatment. The aim of this single-center study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dual RAS blockade compared with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) monotherapy in non-elderly DKD patients with preserved eGFR (WHO Standard, < 60y). This single-center study was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900024752), and approved by the ethical committee (KY201994). In this study, we recruited non-elderly type 2 diabetes volunteers with initial diagnosis of DKD to receive dual RAS blockade or monotherapy. 150 non-elderly DKD patients with preserved eGFR were recruited. The patients were randomly divided into dual RAS blockade group and monotherapy group. The dual RAS blockade group treatment regimen was an 80mg valsartan plus a 4mg perindopril tert-butylamine per day. At the same time, monotherapy group patients who received the 8mg perindopril tert-butylamine or 160mg valsartan monotherapy. The clinical data of the three groups were compared at baseline and collected during the follow-up period of 12months. The baseline of patients who received dual RAS blockade was similar to that of monotherapy group. After 12months of treatment, the median level of proteinuria in the dual RAS blockade group was significantly lower than that in the monotherapy group. There was no significant difference in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) level, potassium, blood pressure and no serious adverse reactions. In non-elderly DKD patients with preserved eGFR, dual RAS blockade is superior to control proteinuria, and does not increase the probability of adverse reactions such as hyperkalemia, hypotension and acute kidney injury in 12months.

Determination and Correlation of Finger Print Pattern and Blood Grouping in Diabetes Mellitus: An Analytical Study

BACKGROUND: To Determine and correlate between fingerprint patterns and blood group in type II diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: One hundred individuals with type II diabetes mellitus and One hundred normal individuals as controls were selected for study. Fingerprints were obtained by dactyloscopy. Various fingerprint patterns like arches, whorls, loops were studied and correlated with the respective blood group based on ABO system among the volunteer controls and diabetics. After obtaining results, the analysis was made using Chi square test and One way ANOVA which showed, the most predominant fingerprint pattern among the 100 diabetic volunteers is “Arch pattern” and the most predominant blood group was “O” positive among the diabetic volunteers. Also correlating both finger print and blood group “Whorl pattern” with “B” blood group showed higher predominance among the healthy volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study correlating finger print pattern with blood grouping in subjects of Diabetes mellitus. Our study findings showed that O positive blood group with arch pattern type of finger print was the most common findings among diabetes. Thus correlating fingerprint pattern and blood grouping act as a early predictor tool for diagnosing Type II Diabetes mellitus.

Experimental and density functional theory studies on some metal oxides and the derived nanoclusters: a comparative effects on human ferritin

A comprehensive investigation into the green synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) has garnered significant attention due to its commendable reliability, sustainability, and environmentally friendly attributes. Green synthesis methods play a crucial role in mitigating the adverse effects associated with conventional approaches employed for nanostructure preparation. This research endeavors to examine the impact of ginger plant extract-assisted green synthesis of metal oxides NPs on the serum ferritin levels of anemic diabetic patients in vitro, focusing specifically on α-Fe2O3 and ZnO NPs. Sixty diabetic volunteers with anemia (35–50 years) and thirty healthy volunteers were enrolled as controls. The assessment was conducted using the VIDAS Ferritin (FER) assay. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy measurements were performed to elucidate the intrinsic and extrinsic transitions of these NPs, affirming the successful formation of α-structured iron oxide. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,2p) level of theory to investigate the geometry optimization and molecular electrostatic potential maps of the NPs. Furthermore, TD-DFT calculations were employed to explore their frontier molecular orbitals and various quantum chemical parameters. The binding affinity and interaction types of ZnO and α-Fe2O3 NPs to the active site of the human H-Chain Ferritin (PDB ID: 2FHA) target were determined with the help of molecular docking. Results unveiled the crystalline structure of ZnO and the α-structure of α-Fe2O3. Analysis of the frontier molecular orbitals and dipole moment values demonstrated that ZnO (total dipole moment (D) = 5.80 µ) exhibited superior chemical reactivity, biological activity, and stronger molecular interactions with diverse force fields compared to α-Fe2O3 (D = 2.65 µ). Molecular docking of the metal oxides NPs with human H-chain ferritin provided evidence of robust hydrogen bond interactions and metal-acceptor bonds between the metal oxides and the target protein. This finding could have a great impact on using metal oxides NPs-ferritin as a therapeutic protein, however, further studies on their toxicity are required.Graphical abstract

SDMS CME Credit – Sonographic Assessment of Intima-Media Thickness of Carotid Arteries in Hypertensive and Diabetic Volunteers

SDMS CME Credit – Sonographic Assessment of Intima-Media Thickness of Carotid Arteries in Hypertensive and Diabetic Volunteers

Relationship between genetic ancestry and metabolic syndrome in community-dwelling old adults

Genetic ancestry may contribute to ethnic differences in the risk of metabolic disorders. Aging leads to a worse ability for homeostasis maintenance, favoring the establishment of metabolic disorders. PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the degree of genetic ancestry (European, African, and Amerindian) with the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) diagnosis and its diagnostic components separately, in community-dwelling old adults. One hundred and sixty-one community-dwelling old adults volunteered in this study. Sociodemographic data and health history were recorded. Venous blood samples were withdrawal for biochemical analysis and DNA extraction aiming to obtain genetic ancestry estimates (Amerindian [AME], European [EUR], and African [AFR]), which was done from 12 loci. MetS diagnosis followed the NCEP-ATPIII criteria. Additionally, the sample was stratified according to the presence or absence of each criterion used for MetS diagnosis (i.e., Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, dyslipidemia [low HDL], and central obesity (elevated waist circumference)). Comparisons of genetic ancestry estimates were performed using the Mann-Whitney test, with the significance level set at p < 0.05. The prevalence of MetS was 40.4%. The degree AME, EUR and AFR genetic ancestry was not different between volunteers with or without MetS (p > 0.05). However, AME ancestry was significantly higher among diabetic volunteers (non-diabetics: 13.7% (6.3–35.8) x Diabetics: 26.1% (10.6–48.5); p < 0.05). Community-dwelling old adults with a higher percentage of Amerindian ancestry seem to be prone to T2DM diagnosis.

Sonographic Assessment of Intima-Media Thickness of Carotid Arteries in Hypertensive and Diabetic Volunteers

Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension are among the most common causes of arteriosclerotic diseases. Intima-media thickness is usually increased with arterial diseases and an increase in carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is associated with the presence and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study was designed to sonographically compare the cIMT in hypertensive and DM patient volunteers. Materials and Methods: A case-control stratified study was conducted at Lahore imaging center. Patients were invited to the study had to more than 30 years of age, DM, and hypertension. Individuals from the same age group without hypertension and DM were invited as study controls. Patients with an endarterectomy, or other arterial interventional procedure, as well as a previous history of cardiovascular disease and stroke, were excluded. Results: The mean cIMT, within the right carotid artery was 0.53 mm for the control group, 0.69 mm for the DM group, 0.67 mm for the hypertensive group, and 0.98 mm for the DM and hypertensive patients. The mean cIMT of the left carotid artery was 0.56 mm for the control group, 0.7 mm for DM group, 0.68 mm for hypertensive group, and 1.01 mm for the DM and hypertensive patients. Conclusion: There was a significant difference between the mean cIMT among DM and non-DM individuals. The control group and the DM or hypertension group also differed significantly. However, a more significant difference was found in the mean cIMT within the common carotid artery of control group as well as those with both DM and hypertension.

Application of contrast-enhanced ultrasound to evaluate skeletal muscle perfusion in lower extremity arteriosclerotic obliterans of type 2 diabetes mellitus

To evaluate the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in evaluating skeletal muscle perfusion in Type 2 diabetic patients with lower extremity arteriosclerosis occlusion. 80 patients with type 2 diabetes were prospectively studied and divided into two groups: 40 patients with lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans(observation group)and 40 diabetic volunteers with normal lower extremity arteries(control group).All subjects were subjected to the same contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS) technique before and after exercise to observe the changes of skeletal muscle blood perfusion in the calf, and the time to peak(TTP)of skeletal muscle blood perfusion parameters in the two groups were compared. The time-intensity curve established by mathematical model showed that TTP in the observation group was significantly longer than TTP in the control group in the resting state and after exercise, with statistical significance(P&lt;0.05). TTP had no significant correlation with age, hypertension and other factors(P&gt;0.05). TTP was correlated with ankle-brachial index (ABI)(P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, CEUS can objectively reflect the changes of skeletal muscle perfusion in patients with lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliteration before and after exercise, and it is a new diagnostic method and evaluation index to observe the changes of skeletal muscle perfusion in patients with type 2 diabetes.

The Association between Diabetic Retinopathy and Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy in People with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract Background Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus, which is strongly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. The aim of the present work is to study the prevalence of CAN in diabetic subjects with retinopathy Methods Ninety subjects participated in the study. They were classified into three groups (Group I: 30 (T2DM) patients with diabetic retinopathy, Group II: 30 (T2DM) patients without retinopathy, Group III: 30 non diabetic volunteers). All patients were evaluated for detection of CAN (Basal Heart Rate, Supine and erect systolic blood pressure variation, Tilt Table Test), diabetes-related micro vascular complications (retinopathy), micro albuminuria (A/C Ratio). Results The prevalence of CAN (using tilt table test) is significantly higher (P = 0.004) in Group I compared to Group II and III. The percentage of positive tilt table test in Group I (43.33%), while in Group II (10%). In Group I, CAN prevalence is higher in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) compared to non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) (P = 0.007). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that in T2DM, the odds [OR (95% confidence intervals)] of CAN increased with diabetes duration [4.99 (1.46-17.09)], A/C Ratio [9.99(2.41-41.36)]. Conclusion This study indicated that DR and micro albuminuria could predict CAN. The results suggest that fundus photography and clinical assessment (A/C RATIO) may be an alternative to autonomic function testing when Tilt Table Test is unavailable

Diabot: Development of a Diabetic Foot Pressure Tracking Device

Foot-related problems are prevalent across the globe, and this issue is aggravated by the presence of diabetes mellitus. Diabetic-foot-related issues include extreme foot pain, plantar corns, and diabetic foot ulcers. To assess these conditions, accurate characterization of plantar pressure is required. In this work, an in-shoe, low-cost, and multi-material pressure measuring insole, based on a piezoresistive material, was developed. The device has a high number of sensors, and was tested on 25 healthy volunteers and 25 patients with different degrees of diabetes. The working range of the device was observed to be 5 kPa to 900 kPa, with an average hysteresis error of 3.25%. Plantar pressure was found to increase from healthy to diabetic volunteers, in terms of both standing and walking. In the case of the diabetic group, the-high pressure contact area was found to strongly and positively correlate (R2 = 0.78) with the peak plantar pressure. During the heel strike phase, the diabetic volunteers showed high plantar pressure on the medial heel region. In regard to the toe-off phase, the central forefoot was found to be a prevalent site for high plantar pressure across the diabetic volunteers. The developed device is expected not only to assist in the prediction of diabetic ulceration or re-ulceration, but also to provide strategies and suggestions for foot pressure alleviation and pain mitigation.

Arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging quantifies tissue perfusion around foot ulcers.

Tools that quantify tissue perfusion of the foot are deficient, contributing to the uncertainty in predicting ulcer healing potential. This pilot study aims to quantify peri-wound foot perfusion at various tissue depths using a novel application of pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging. Ten diabetic patients with neuropathic wounds and 20 healthy volunteers without wounds were recruited. Wounds were graded according to the Wound, Ischemia, Foot Infection (WIfI) system. All subjects underwent a noncontrasted ASL MRI of the foot for perfusion measurements. For healthy volunteers, perfusion was compared at rest and during sustained toe flexion between four regions: lateral plantar, medial plantar, lateral calcaneal, and medial calcaneal. Evaluations of diabetic volunteers compared perfusion between four zones: wound, near border, far border, and remote. Remote zone perfusion in diabetics was compared with perfusion in the plantar foot of healthy volunteers. There were 11 wounds, which were located over the metatarsal heads in five, the stump of a transmetatarsal amputation in three, the heel in two, and the mid foot in one. The median WIfI stage was 2. One patient had a WIfI ischemia grade of 1; the remaining patients' grades were 0. The mean ankle-brachial index was 1.0± 0.3. There were two patients with a WIfI foot infection grade of 1; the remaining patients' grades were 0. In healthy volunteers, plantar foot perfusion with sustained toe flexion was 43.9± 1.7mL/100g/min and significantly higher than perfusion at rest (27.3± 2.7mL/100g/min; P< .001). In diabetic patients, perfusion at the wound, near border, far border, and remote regions was 96.1± 10.7, 92.7± 9.4, 73.4± 8.2, and 62.8± 2.7mL/100g/min. Although this perfusion pattern persisted throughout the depth of the wound, perfusion decreased with tissue depth. In the near border, perfusion at 20% of the wound depth was 124.0± 35.6mL/100g/min and 69.9± 10.1mL/100g/min at 100% (P= .006). Lastly, remote perfusion in diabetics was 2.3 times the plantar perfusion in healthy volunteers (27.3± 2.7mL/100g/min; P< .001). The pattern of resting tissue perfusion around nonischemic diabetic foot ulcers was successfully quantified with arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging. Diabetic patients with wounds were hyperemic compared withhealthy volunteers. There was a 1.5-fold increase in peri-wound tissue perfusion relative to the rest of the foot. This study is the first step in developing a tool to assess the perfusion deficit in ischemic wounds.

Preclinical and clinical evaluation of a new method to assess cardiac insulin resistance using nuclear imaging

BackgroundMyocardial insulin resistance (IR) could be a predictive factor of cardiovascular events. This study aimed to introduce a new method using 123I-6-deoxy-6-iodo-d-glucose (6DIG), a pure tracer of glucose transport, for the assessment of IR using cardiac dynamic nuclear imaging. MethodsThe protocol evaluated first in rat-models consisted in two 6DIG injections and one of insulin associated with planar imaging and blood sampling. Compartmental modeling was used to analyze 6DIG kinetics in basal and insulin conditions and to obtain an index of IR. As a part of a translational approach, a clinical study was then performed in 5 healthy and 6 diabetic volunteers. ResultsIn rodent models, the method revealed reproducible when performed twice at 7 days apart in the same animal. Rosiglitazone, an insulin-sensitizing drug, induced a significant increase of myocardial IR index in obese Zucker rats from 0.96 ± 0.18 to 2.26 ± 0.44 (P<.05) after 7 days of an oral treatment, and 6DIG IR indexes correlated with the gold standard IR index obtained through the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp (r=.68, P<.02). In human, a factorial analysis was applied on images to obtain vascular and myocardial kinetics before compartmental modeling. 1.5-fold to 2.2-fold decreases in mean cardiac IR indexes from healthy to diabetic volunteers were observed without reaching statistical significance. ConclusionsThese preclinical results demonstrate the reproducibility and sensibility of this novel imaging methodology. Although this first in-human study showed that this new method could be rapidly performed, larger studies need to be planned in order to confirm its performance.

In Vivo Near-Infrared Noninvasive Glucose Measurement and Detection in Humans.

In optical noninvasive glucose detection, how to detect the glucose-caused signals from the constant human variations and disturbed probing conditions is always the biggest challenge. Developing effective measurement strategies is essential to realize the detection. A near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy-based strategy is studied to effectively solve the in vivo measurement issues, obtaining clean blood glucose-caused signals. Two solutions composing our strategy are applied to the NIR spectroscopy-based measurement system to acquire clean raw signals in the data collection, which are a customized high signal-to-noise ratio multi-ring InGaAs detector to reduce the influence of human variations, and a fixing and aiming method to reproduce a consistent measurement condition. Seventeen cases of glucose tolerance test (GTT) on healthy and diabetic volunteers were conducted to validate the strategy. The human experiment results clearly show that the expected blood glucose changes have been detected at 1550 nm. The average correlation coefficient of the 17 cases of GTT between light signal and glucose reference reaches 0.84. The proposed measurement strategy is verified feasible for the glucose detecting in vivo. The strategy provides references to further studies and product developments for the NIR spectroscopy-based glucose measurement and references to other optical measurements in vivo.

The association of LEPR Q223R polymorphism with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Malaysia

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global public health problem that leads to increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to its complications. Leptin receptor plays a crucial role in regulating glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Thus, mutation in the leptin receptor gene might play a role in the pathogenesis of T2DM. ObjectiveOur study aimed to evaluate the association of the Q223R polymorphism in the LEPR gene with Malaysian T2DM patients. MethodsA case-control study was focused on the three major ethnic groups of Malaysian population (100 Malays, 100 Chinese, and 100 Indians). Genotyping analysis of LEPR Q223R polymorphism was carried out by PCR-RFLP in 150 T2DM patients and 150 non-diabetic subjects as control. Serum insulin and leptin levels were determined using ELISA. A homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and BMI were also calculated. ResultsT2DM patients had significantly (P > 0.001) higher serum leptin levels as compared to the non- diabetic volunteers (166.78 pg/ml, 101.94 pg/ml, respectively). The frequency of AG genotype of LEPR Q223R variant was significantly higher in T2DM patients as compared to the control group (58.66% vs. 42%, χ2 = 8.75, p = 0.013). The A allele frequency was significantly higher in T2DM patients than the non-diabetic individuals (36.66% and 29%, respectively, P = 0.046). Furthermore, there were markedly elevated serum leptin, insulin, HOMA-IR, and BMI in diabetic patients with GG genotype of this variant as compared to AA, and AG genotypes (P < 0.05). ConclusionOur findings demonstrated a significant association between LEPR Q223R polymorphism and T2DM in Malaysian subjects, particularly in Malay and Chinese ethnics, but not for Indian ethnic. This study suggested the A allele frequency of Q223R variant significantly increases the risk of T2DM in Malaysian population. Likewise, the polymorphism of Q223R in the LEPR gene is also associated with markedly increased serum insulin, leptin, HOMA-IR, and elevated BMI in T2DM patients.

Evaluation of the effects of photobiomodulation (808 nm) on pain and quality of life of diabetic neuropathy patients

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the main complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), responsible for a high morbimortality rate and burdening public health resources. Photobiomodulation has proven to be effective in relieving pain, reducing the inflammation, and improving vascularization. We report an evaluation of the effectiveness of photobiomodulation for the relief of pain and to improve the quality of life in patients with diabetic neuropathy. A total of 30 diabetic volunteers with DN were randomly divided into three groups: control, photobiomodulation (PBM), and placebo (P-PBM). Those in Group control were instructed to take diabetic neuropathy medication for 30 days. The PBM group received laser photobiomodulation treatment with the following protocol: three sessions per week for 30 days, totaling 12 applications (wavelength, 808 nm; energy density, 12 J/cm²). in the of following nerves: tibial medial plantar, own plantar digital, common plantar digital, superficial fibular, deep fibular, sciatic, saphenous, and common fibular. Patients in the P-PBM Group were submitted to the PBM protocol, but with the device switched off. Before and after applying the therapeutic protocols, all volunteers were subjected to pain evaluations. The results showed a statistically significant difference between the groups (p &lt; 0.05). The PBM group confirmed an analgesic effect directly related to the use of the photobiomodulation, whilst the patients in group control and P-PBM, did not present significant results. The study demonstrated that laser photobiomodulation is effective in significantly reducing pain and improving the quality of life of patients with diabetic neuropathy.

Identifying diabetes from conjunctival images using a novel hierarchical multi-task network

Diabetes can cause microvessel impairment. However, these conjunctival pathological changes are not easily recognized, limiting their potential as independent diagnostic indicators. Therefore, we designed a deep learning model to explore the relationship between conjunctival features and diabetes, and to advance automated identification of diabetes through conjunctival images. Images were collected from patients with type 2 diabetes and healthy volunteers. A hierarchical multi-tasking network model (HMT-Net) was developed using conjunctival images, and the model was systematically evaluated and compared with other algorithms. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the HMT-Net model to identify diabetes were 78.70%, 69.08%, and 75.15%, respectively. The performance of the HMT-Net model was significantly better than that of ophthalmologists. The model allowed sensitive and rapid discrimination by assessment of conjunctival images and can be potentially useful for identifying diabetes.

DETECTION OF ORAL FUNGAL MICROBIOME (MYCOBIOME) OF DIABETIC PATIENTS IN POLYCLINICS OF BENGHAZI - LIBYA

This study was conducted in Benghazi city, Oral fungal microbiome were isolated from oral cavities of 92 diabetic patients and 40 non diabetic volunteers. Swab taken from their oral cavities then inoculated in Sabauruod Dextrose Agar (SDA) and incubated at 27 °C for two to three days for colony study after that make subcultures using Potato dextrose agar ( PDA ) for microscopic study. Identification of oral fungi shows that Out of 132 subject, 38 shows no fungal growth , 63 samples of candida (53 pure candida and 10 cases candida mixed with other fungi), 7 fungal species other than Candida have been identified with conformation from Assiut University Mycology Centre (AUMC) in Egypt which were : 7 samples of Asperogillus spp (6 in diabetics &amp;1in non diabetics ), 8 samples of Alternaria .alternate (5 in diabetics &amp; 3 in non-diabetics), 3 samples of Fusarium foetens (2 in diabetics &amp; 1in non diabetics ), 4 samples of Cladosporium herbarum. (Diabetics), 2 samples of Stemphylium botryosum (in diabetics), 2 samples of Geosmithia lavendula. (Diabetics), 5 samples of Penicillum crustosum (diabetics). The Candida species identified by Quyfia chest hospital Laboratory (Phoenix 100 Apparatus – BD, USA), .candida species were identified as : Candida albicans (44 cases), Wangilla dermatitidis (Saccaromycets) (7cases Candida dubliniensis ( 4 cases ), Geotricum species ( 4cases ),Candida sake ( 4 cases). Asperogillus species were: 2 samples Asperogillus.nigger, 3 samples A. fumigatus and 2 samples A. flavus.

No impact of soluble epoxide hydrolase rs4149243, rs2234914 and rs751142 genetic variants on the development of type II diabetes and its hypertensive complication among Jordanian patients.

Human soluble epoxide hydrolase plays a major role in cardiovascular homoeostasis. Genetic variants in the EPHX2 gene among different ethnic groups are associated with cardiovascular complications, such as hypertension. However, no reports regarding the association of EPHX2 genotype with hypertension among type II diabetic (T2D) patients of Middle Eastern Jordanian origin exist. The current study aimed to elucidate the association of the EPHX2 allele, genotype and haplotype with T2D, hypertension and parameters of lipid profile parameters among Jordanian T2D patients. Ninety-three genomic DNA samples of non-diabetic controls and 97 samples from T2D patients were genotyped for EPHX2 rs4149243, rs2234914 and rs751142 genetic variants. The DNA samples were amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and then sequenced using Applied Biosystems Model (ABI3730x1). The functionality of intronic EPHX2 variants was predicted using the in silico Berkely Drosophila Genome Project software. We found no significant (P>.05) association between the EPHX2 rs4149243, rs2234914 and rs751142 allele, genotype and haplotype and the incidence of T2D and hypertension. Additionally, no association (P>.05) between these EPHX2 genetic variants with the baseline total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoproteins and triglycerides among both non-diabetic and diabetic volunteers was found. However, we found an inter-ethnic variation (χ2 -test, P value˂.05) in the allele frequency of the EPHX2 rs4149243 and rs2234914 variants between Jordanians and other ethnic populations. Also, the in silico Berkely Drosophila Genome Project software predicted that the intronic EPHX2 rs4149243 could alter the splicing of intron 7. It can be concluded from this study that EPHX2 rs4149243, rs2234914 and rs751142 genetic variants do not play a role in the development of T2D and hypertension among Jordanian T2D patients. Further genetic studies with larger sample sizes are needed to find out the association of other functional EPHX2 variants with cardiovascular diseases among T2D patients in Jordan.

Digital processing of ultrasound images on dilated blood vessels from diabetic patients

Introduction Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a fairly common degenerative vascular condition in diabetic patients that leads to inadequate blood flow (BF), this disease is mainly due to atherosclerosis that causes chronic narrowing of arteries, which can precipitate acute thrombotic events. In patients with diabetes, atherosclerosis is the main reason for reducing life expectancy, as long as diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy are the largest contributors to end-stage renal disease and blindness, respectively. Objective This was an assessment of dilatation of the blood vessels on diabetic patients vs. healthy volunteers by using digital processing of imaging’s. Materials and Methods The study subject was ultrasound imaging processing of blood vessels dilation on low extremities of diabetic patients, the results were compared with ultrasound images of healthy subjects. Results The digital images processing suggests that there is a significant difference among images experimental of the diabetic group and healthy volunteers’ images, the control group. Discussion The digital imaging processing performed in the Matlab platform is an adequate procedure for blood vessels dilation analysis of the ultrasound images taken from the lower extremities in diabetic patients.

Contribution of Katsura-uri (Japan's Heirloom Pickling Melon, Cucumis melo var. conomon) at the Completely Ripe Stage to Diabetes Control.

The fruit of Katsura-uri (Japan's heirloom pickling melon, Cucumis melo var. conomon) possesses a fruity aroma and moderate sweetness. The fruit juice has potential to minimize human postprandial blood glucose levels. This study provides information regarding the health benefits of Katsura-uri and its utility in treating diabetes. The study methodology involved measuring the color and firmness of Katsura-uri fruit at five ripening stages, and quantitation of the aroma substances, proximate composition, and sugars. Significant changes were detected in the color, firmness, and level of aroma substances with ripening of Katsura-uri fruit, albeit with no major changes in proximate composition, with the exception of dietary fiber, and sugars. To determine the effects of Katsura-uri juice, the blood glucose levels of ten diabetic volunteers aged 46-75 y were monitored after its consumption, and compared with after consumption of muskmelon juice equivalent to the total weight of Katsura-uri juice. The blood glucose area under the curve level was significantly lower after consumption of Katsura-uri juice (16±5 h • mg/dL) than after consumption of muskmelon juice (55±17 h • mg/dL; p<0.05). The level of the glucose spike was also significantly lower after consumption of Katsura-uri juice (22±5 mg/dL) than after consumption of muskmelon juice (64±6 mg/dL; p<0.05). The completely ripe Katsura-uri fruit provides the best results for diabetic subjects, which is the first case of fruits sweetened with the addition of zero-calorie sweeteners.